Get help with school essentials

Applications for the School Essentials Grant for academic year 2025-26 are now open.
They will close on 31 May 2026.

Families with children in reception to year 11 on lower incomes and certain benefits can apply.

The grant amount for the 2025-26 school year is:

Funding for looked-after children is available in every school year. You must apply to the local authority where the child attends school.

What the grant is for

The School Essentials Grant can help cover the costs of:

school uniform, including coats and shoes
school activities, including learning a musical instrument, sports kit and other equipment for after school activities
classroom essentials, including pens, pencils and school bags
specialist equipment for new curriculum activities such as design and technology
IT equipment: laptops and tablets only (School Essentials should only be used in limited situations where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family)
equipment for out-of-school hours trips such as outdoor learning (for example, waterproofs)
non-uniform essential items such as clothing to support access and involvement in residential outdoor education
uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to: scouts, guides, cadets, martial arts, sports, performing arts, or dance

You can apply for the School Essentials Grant if you receive any of the following benefits:

Income Support
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance
Child Tax Credit - As long as your annual income is £16,190 or less before tax and you don't receive Working Tax Credit
Pension Credit
Universal Credit - Your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year after tax. This does not include any income from benefits
Help under Immigration and Asylum Seekers Act 1999

You may be eligible if you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

Pupils who receive free school meals due to transitional protection or Universal FSM do not qualify for this funding.

If your child is eligible, you can apply for the School Essentials Grant.

You can only apply once for each child in a year.

We will need your:

You can also download and complete the form below:

Downloads

If you have any questions about your application or need help to apply, please contact:

Child and Family Support Team

Civic Centre Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot SA13 1PJ

fsm@npt.gov.uk

(01639) 763 515 (01639) 763 515